Operational Target

DEFINITION of 'Operational Target'

Monetary policy objective specified by the Federal Reserve. Operational targets are usually phrased in terms of the changes in the money supply and non-borrowed reserves. These targets are usually reported by the chairman of the Federal Reserve.

BREAKING DOWN 'Operational Target'

Operational targets are reported twice a year to Congress. Projected growth is stated as a range within a fiscal year. The reporting requirements for operational targets are specified in the Full Employment and Balanced Growth Act of 1978.